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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the negative reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, namely the current side of Tottenham.

Football, however, is not often that simple. In spite of the negative press of his favored system, Amorim exits a team in a much stronger condition than the one he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the most impressive team they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

While it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be caused by his comments about bosses with even worse histories—his downfall was ultimately stymied by atrocious luck. If fitness issues for key players not coincided with the absence of other essential members, he may remain in the role—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly stable state of affairs. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible stewardship of this talented roster ought to be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Burnley, however, won't roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their most recent five games, their showings have often been stronger than the outcomes show. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his team fired up to attack opponents who are set to field an lineup that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.